08/15/2026
Today, the Texas Education Agency released its A-F accountability ratings for Texas public schools. As I evaluate the scores for Azle ISD (78), I see areas to celebrate and areas where we can improve. A lot of work goes into the efforts of our district to make a difference to every child, every chance, every day.
I will preface these comments by saying I am not a fan of this accountability system, and I hate how the media and public can use it to disparage our schools. For elementary and middle schools, the A-F grade is almost solely based on STAAR scores. It seems unfair that a school's entire grade is based on a one-day test that sometimes depends on a student’s willingness to take it, not their mastery of the subject. It really doesn't consider all the other amazing things that happen on campus during the other 170+ days of the year. It doesn’t adequately account for the variety of factors that affect our students day in and day out. I think it is a highly flawed way to assess our schools, but it is the system we are in.
While not perfect, I think the accountability rating for high schools gives a fairer and more accurate assessment. The letter grade does consider some testing – the EOCs (end-of-course exams) for Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and U.S History. But it also considers several other factors, including graduation rates and CCMR (career, college, and military readiness). CCMR includes factors such as demonstrating college readiness in math and reading/language arts, AP exam performance, earning dual credit, earning an IBC (industry-based certification), military enlistments, and others. I think this gives a much more accurate assessment of a school.
When you take a more holistic approach to assessing our schools, I think you get a much more accurate view of our district. Both of our High School environments show improvement from last year. AHS improved to an 84 while Hornet Academy improved to a 98.
While we still have plenty of room for improvement across many campuses, please don’t let a letter grade based on a one-day test shape your view of a campus or the district. We are in the middle of some significant changes in our district that are already showing positive results. I continue to believe Azle ISD offers incredible educational opportunities in our area. I believe the work we do today will help lead us into the best days ahead, and a letter grade assigned by a deeply flawed system will not change that.
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